Wrongful Death
Atlanta, Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer


Georgia has a specific set of laws established to provide financial compensation to the heirs of a person who died because of the negligent, willful, or wrongful act, neglect, omission, or default of another. Sometimes, this is the result of medical malpractice; other times, it is the result of a common carrier (airplane) crash, or occupational exposure to a dangerous environment (e.g., asbestos). Heirs include the decedentís surviving spouse, children, parents, and estate representative on behalf of other heirs.

Georgia measures wrongful death damages as the full value of the life of the deceased, from his perspective. Both economic damages (projected lifetime income, with no deduction for living expenses or income taxes, value of services, etc.) and intangibles (e.g., the enjoyment of living) are included in the calculation.

Georgia law will allow heirs to receive this monetary compensation, as well as medical and funeral expenses. Sometimes, punitive damages may also be awarded: the law will allow this when the circumstances involve very serious or even malicious wrongdoing, with the goal of punishing the wrongdoer and discouraging this type of behavior in the future. There is no cap on what Georgia juries can award in wrongful death damages.

If you have lost a loved one, you may be legally entitled to wrongful death damages. Please contact us for a free initial consultation.

For further information:

Georgia Wrongful Death Statute

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